Black Cat Ignites Majestic Mine, Eyes 80,000 Ounces by Year-End
Black Cat Syndicate has launched mining operations at its Majestic underground mine near Kalgoorlie, aiming to deliver first ore to its Lakewood processing plant by December 2025. This milestone advances the company’s strategy to boost gold production through multiple projects.
- Majestic underground mine portal blast successfully completed
- First ore expected at Lakewood processing facility in December quarter
- Initial production target of 80,000 ounces of gold at 3.2g/t grade
- Concurrent mining at Fingals open pit progressing on schedule
- Significant resource extension potential remains at Majestic
Majestic Mine Launches Underground Operations
Black Cat Syndicate Limited has marked a significant operational milestone with the successful initial blast at the Majestic underground mine portal, part of its wholly owned Kal East Gold Operation located approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. This event signals the commencement of underground mining activities at Majestic, which is positioned within a 40-kilometre radius of the company’s 1.2 million tonnes per annum Lakewood processing facility.
The company anticipates delivering the first ore from Majestic to Lakewood during the December 2025 quarter, aligning with its broader objective to accelerate gold production. The initial production target for Majestic is set at 776,000 tonnes at an average grade of 3.2 grams per tonne, translating to approximately 80,000 ounces of gold. This target is based on reserves calculated at a gold price of AUD 2,300 per ounce, with ongoing re-optimisation efforts underway to potentially enhance project economics.
Strategic Growth and Resource Potential
Black Cat’s Managing Director, Gareth Solly, highlighted the significance of this milestone, describing it as a proud moment that marks the company’s second high-grade underground gold mine. The Majestic development coincides with the planned start of mining at the nearby Fingals open pit, both of which are expected to provide sustained feed to the Lakewood processing plant. This dual approach supports Black Cat’s ‘More Gold, Sooner’ strategy, aimed at increasing throughput and gold output in the near term.
Importantly, the Majestic deposit remains open along strike and at depth, offering promising potential for resource extensions. This exploration upside could translate into increased reserves and longer mine life, subject to future drilling results and feasibility assessments.
Broader Operational Context and Upcoming Activities
Beyond Majestic, Black Cat continues to advance its portfolio with ongoing drilling programs at Paulsens underground and regional targets, as well as seismic and geophysical surveys. The company is also progressing metallurgical testwork at Mt Clement, home to one of Australia’s largest antimony deposits, underscoring its diversified resource base.
The Kal East operation itself boasts a substantial resource inventory, with nearly 1.3 million ounces of gold in measured, indicated, and inferred categories, supported by a JORC 2012 reserve of 243,000 ounces. Combined with other assets like Paulsens and Coyote, Black Cat is positioning itself for sustained growth in gold production and resource development.
Investors will be watching closely as Black Cat delivers on its production ramp-up and explores the potential to expand Majestic’s resource base, which could materially impact the company’s future output and valuation.
Bottom Line?
Majestic’s successful blast sets the stage for Black Cat’s next growth phase, but resource extensions and operational execution remain key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the ongoing re-optimisation of Majestic’s reserves affect production targets and economics?
- What are the timelines and expected outputs for the Fingals open pit alongside Majestic?
- How might rising gold prices influence Black Cat’s exploration and development priorities?
